Guinea pigs are popular companion animals whose welfare needs — particularly for social housing, space, and hay-based diet — are frequently inadequately met.
Guinea pig welfare is compromised by the same combination of problems seen in rabbit welfare: inadequate space, incorrect diet, and solitary housing. The typical cage sold in pet shops for guinea pigs is too small for healthy exercise. A hay-deficient diet causes the same dental malocclusion and digestive problems seen in rabbits. Solitary housing denies social needs that are fundamental to this gregarious species. These problems are entirely preventable with appropriate education at the point of sale and stronger minimum standards for housing and care. Guinea pig welfare improvement is a matter of knowledge and retailer standards rather than complex science.